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bmw-clubs-international.com | BMW Clubs’ World | 13th year | Edition 2 & 3 | September 2015
BMW Clubs’ World
In cooperation with BMW Club & Community Management
2 & 3/15
40 YEARS
BMW OF
NORTH AMERICA
BMW 507. MOTORRAD A GLAS OF IT’S OWN.
FAMILY DAYS BIG GLAS ANNUAL MEETING
BUSINESS. 2015. OF THE ANNIVERSARIES.
EDITORIAL
DEAR
BMW CLUB MEMBERS,
the interface between the clubs and the BMW Group. In March we gave
ourselves a new name and now call ourselves:
BMW Club & Community Management (BCCM).
However, this change does not only concern our name, but also our new
self-image and an expanded area of activity. The BCCM is now com-
pletely integrated into the structures of BMW Group Classic and acts as
representative of BMW Group Classic in its contacts with the clubs. The
BCCM is independent of the BMW Clubs International Council, but will
continue to cooperate on a joint basis in the future.
For BMW a big anniversary is approaching. In 1916 the Bayerische
Flugzeugwerke AG (Bavarian Aircraft Works AG) was founded on the
grounds of today’s BMW Munich plant. In 1917, the Bayerische Motor-
en Werke GmbH emerged from Rapp Motoren Werke. In 1922, engine
construction was moved from Bayerische Motoren Werke to Bayerische
Flugzeugwerke AG including staff, patents, machines and blue-and-
white brand logo. Bayerische Flugzeugwerke AG then took on the com-
pany name Bayerische Motoren Werke. 1916 is therefore the historically
counts as the birth year of the company.
We will also be moving into the new BMW Group Classic premises on
the occasion of this anniversary. The new location, which is close to
engine production site was located here from 1918 to 1920. Interested
club members will be able to visit us here again and we are already look-
ing forward to welcoming them in future.
We will be informing you – together with the clubs – about the celebra-
tions that will take place in Munich in September 2016 in separate email
communications.
Best regards
Ulrich Arendts
BMW Clubs’ World 2 & 3 /15 2
CONTENTS
2 EDITORIAL
3 CONTENTS / IMPRINT
REPORTS
4 WELCOME TO THE CLUB.
5 THREE CHEERS!
7 FAMILY BUSINESS.
8 26TH INTERNATIONAL BMW 503 MEETING 2015.
10 FOREVER YOUNG.
11 MOTORRAD DAYS 2015.
12 A GLAS OF IT’S OWN.
14 40 YEARS BMW OF NORTH AMERICA.
18 40TH BMW R 90 S ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION .
21 WET SKIDPAN GYMKHANA CHALLENGE.
24 THE ROUGH WITH THE SMOOTH.
26 TAKING A BROADER VIEW.
PORTRAIT
27 THE E9 AND I.
28 EVENT DIARY
Publisher Editor-in-Chief Copy editor
IMPRINT BMW Group Classic Michael Kortenhaus Elke Hesse
Responsible for Picture editing Lithography
content shot one Zehentner & Partner
Ulrich Arendts BMW Classic Munich
Postal address Art direction
Petuelring 130 Anne von Koenigswald
80788 Munich shot one
Graphics
Franziska Sporrer
shot one
BMW Clubs’ World 2 & 3 /15 3
REPORTS
WELCOME TO THE CLUB.
Dubai: The BMW Club UAE, a local BMW supporter group that brings together
cognised by the premium automotive company’s global headquarters in Munich.
Enhancing the success of almost 700 BMW Clubs across the world, the BMW
Club UAE provides opportunities for local BMW enthusiasts to get together for
from Munich, the BMW Club UAE will look to collaborate closely with BMW Group
and AGMC, the local importer of BMW cars in Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern
Emirates, to organise attractive joint activities and promote lively discussion and
technical knowledge exchange amongst local BMW advocates.
Ralf Bissinger, Director Sales & Marketing for BMW Group Middle East, said: “It’s
headquarters in Munich, as it showcases our commitment at a local level to global
best practice. Similarly, the Club provides locally-based BMW enthusiasts with a
hub to support the BMW brand at grassroots level, while following the global BMW
Group International Council Guidelines, which have seen the Group grow year on
Osman Abdelmoneim, General Manager of AGMC, said: “We were delighted to
working alongside them to assist with arranging unique opportunities and experi-
ences that enable all the members to get even closer to the BMW brand. I have no
doubt that many more of our customers will be eager to join and enjoy the Club’s
BMW Club UAE members receive free attendance at various events and drive
days throughout the year, as well as invitations to attend bi-weekly meetings for
networking with likeminded enthusiasts, for an annual membership fee of AED
350.
Bruna Tuma, Chairman of the BMW Club UAE, said: “It’s wonderful that the Club
members something different in terms of the drives, challenges and training ses-
sions we host and take part in throughout the year. This recognition also reinforces
the fact that the BMW Club UAE and its members adhere to the premium car
BMW Clubs’ World 2 & 3 /15 4
REPORTS
THREE CHEERS!
40 YEARS OF THE BMW 3 SERIES.
The world has changed radically over the last 40 years: walls have fallen,
borders have disappeared and new technology has revolutionised our
existence in ways we could not have imagined in our wildest dreams.
Personal computers, the internet, mobile communications – all these
have become indispensable in our everyday lives and in our cars.
As a market leader, the 3 Series has shaped the premium segment for
mid-range cars for 40 years. And the success story continues: on 7 May
2015, BMW unveiled the latest generation of this trendsetter to the eyes
of the world at the BMW Museum in Munich. The event coincided with
the opening of a special exhibition celebrating “40 Years of the BMW 3
To mark the event, 3 Series enthusiasts from all over Europe parked
their vehicles around the BMW Museum. One 318i E30 even travelled to
Munich all the way from South Africa, covering the full 15,000 kilometres
(over 9,000 miles) under its own steam – despite already having 400,000
km (around 250,000 miles) on the clock. The drivers’ account of their trip
can be found at backmywheels.wordpress.com.
back in 1975: as successor to the legendary 2 Series, it had a hard act
to follow.
For BMW, however, the introduction of the 3 Series was a real water-
shed, for in addition to the new model designation, the car also heralded
a number of other innovations. One particularly innovative feature was
the driver-oriented cockpit, for which BMW is famous.
From the outset, the 3 Series was the embodiment of the sporty mid-
range saloon – and so it remained.
able only as a two-door saloon, although in the 320/6 and 323i it fea-
tured powerful and silky-smooth six-cylinder engines.
The car’s success proved the developers right from the very beginning.
The 3 Series has been the BMW brand’s bestselling model for 40 years.
Just six years after its launch, the one-millionth car rolled off the produc-
tion line.
success. In sporting terms, too, the E21 garnered countless awards:
as a race car for the track it enjoyed showing the competition who was
boss. And the 3 Series even set new standards in the art world, when
renowned artist Roy Lichtenstein turned one of these vehicles into a
unique artwork.
BMW Clubs’ World 2 & 3 /15 5
REPORTS
Then in 1982 the turn of the E30 came. Succession was no easy task for
the newcomer. After all, by now the E21 was the most successful BMW
of all time.
Whereas the older E21 was available only as a two-door saloon, the new
E30 came in two and four-door versions, and was even expanded later
to include an elegant convertible and estate variant. The latter, named
the 3 Series Touring, established the class of compact estate models
variant came into existence. A BMW employee, Max Reisböck, bought
an accident-damaged 3 Series with a view to carrying out a complete
rebuild. As a master bodybuilder, he had all the requisite skills. Once
the rear part of the roof was removed, he lengthened the vehicle’s tail
to create an estate. Although he had restored the car purely for his own
use, he showed his creation to his boss, who was so impressed that this
variant, which bore the stigma of a rather lacklustre commercial vehicle,
had previously been unthinkable at BMW. Max Reisböck was present
for the opening of the special exhibition at the BMW Museum on 7 May
2015 and can still look back with genuine pride on his creation.
a six-cylinder diesel unit in a sports saloon was equally unexpected.
And the E30 also gave rise to something else: the legendary BMW M3.
As a homologation model for the German Touring Car Championship
-
-
ing Car Championship, the DTM and the European Touring Car Cham-
pionship. Having earned many other championship titles and countless
individual victories, the BMW M3 Group A from the E30 model series is
today the world’s most successful touring car.
The E30 was superseded by the E36 in 1990. This 3 Series was also
penned by designer Claus Luthe. From now on, the two-door saloon no
longer used the same bodylines as the four-door model, but was instead
was not the only new shape to join the 3 Series family: a Compact var-
with the traditional circular headlamps, mounting the new lights behind
sealed glass covers. Innovations were introduced beneath the bodywork
too, with new four-cylinder diesel units offering an unprecedented com-
Over the last 40 years, the BMW 3 Series has been both trendsetter and
success of BMW’s mid-range model: over 14 million BMW 3 Series units
have been shipped since its debut in 1975 – today the Saloon and Tour-
ing models account for around 25 per cent of total BMW vehicle sales.
More than any other model, the BMW 3 Series represents the heart of
the BMW brand.
No matter how much our world has changed over the last 40
years, the 3 Series will remain an ever-present star in the BMW
BMW Clubs’ World 2 & 3 /15 6
REPORTS
FAMILY BUSINESS.
The gathering of numerous design icons marked the beginning of the new exhibition in the BMW Museum titled: “Family Affairs. Spe-
cial Variants of a Design Icon.”
Many BMW 507 sports-car owners met up under the famous
a true spectacle for automobile fans and provided a taste of what
will be on display in the BMW Museum until 31 January 2016.
When the two-seater roadster was presented at the IAA Motor
it as a “BMW sensation” and “the dream car from the Isar”.
Ever since the BMW 507 has been seen as a luxury and status
symbol which also thrilled international stars such Elvis Presley.
There aren’t that many opportunities for getting to see a BMW
507 live, since only 254 units were manufactured between 1955
and 1959.
Now the sports roadster is celebrating its 60th birthday and the
truly unique specimen – a motorboat inspired by the design of
the BMW 507. Many details, for example the steering wheel, the
instrument panel and the side gills, were taken from the original
BMW 507.
The original design drawings are also on display, which moved
many renowned international design bureaus to create individual
interpretations.
The original designs by the then still unknown designer Albrecht
Graf Goertz inspired stylists the world over. Designers from fa-
mous international design bureaus such as Giovanni Michelotti
from Italy, created variants of the sports car with its elegant and
dynamic shape. Now this wealth of designs, drawings and post-
bmw-museum.de
BMW Clubs’ World 2 & 3 /15 7
REPORTS
26TH INTERNATIONALES
BMW 503 MEETING
IN DARMSTADT.
4 TO 7 JUNE 2015
Beate Gontersweiler
of the roadbook – not a printing error, but Hessian dialect! And it was
a statement that turned out to be absolutely true: Sylvia and Heinz H.
Hucke had organised a programme for the 503 friends that offered
lots of variety and a sociable time for all. 20 BMW 503s from Germa-
ny, Switzerland and France arrived at the centrally located Welcome
Hotel in Darmstadt on the Thursday. Participants were taken on the
a unique ensemble of art nouveau buildings erected at the instigation
of Grand Duke Ernst Ludwig from 1899 onwards. The latter set up
an artists’ colony there which was active until 1914, its buildings still
standing today (including the Hochzeitsturm or Wedding Tower with
of art nouveau architecture. Meanwhile the glorious sunshine was
making us increasingly thirsty so after this cultural prelude, everyone
was very glad of an aperitif. During drinks and the meal that followed
everyone had ample opportunity to network: there is always a loyal
was excellent so the evening passed in no time, and the warm sum-
mer night provided the perfect setting for a nightcap.
The departure time for Friday morning was set for 8.45 am. Some
twenty 503 engines being started put the air sensors of the under-
ground car park in alarm mode and set the ventilation running at
full blast. It promised to be a hot day (Heinz Hucke had taken care
Oppenheim am Rhein, i.e. while we were looking for an appropriate
parking space along the narrow streets of the historical town centre.
In Oppenheim we had time for a brief tour, including a visit to St
Catherine’s church. Incidentally, there is an underground labyrinth in
this town which branches out underneath the entire historical centre.
The second stage of the morning took us to Vendersheim and
the Beiser wine estate, where we were served a lavish meal in the
the boot of their 503 with several cases of wine. The third stage of
the day was a trip to the Laubenheimer Höhe estate with its superb
panorama: here we enjoyed coffee and cake (nobody went hungry
on this day!). Finally the group headed back to Darmstadt where we
were taken by bus up to Frankenstein Castle at 7 pm. The count and
his monster were not in at the time (fortunately), but instead there
was an open-air aperitif waiting for us followed by a delicious buffet
at the restaurant. The evening once again passed by far too quickly,
but on the way back to the bus there was at least an opportunity to
strengthen the international bonds within the group of 503 friends at
the castle’s Wedding Chapel …
hot day – which had not been easy on our cars: nearly everyone
complained of an engine that stuttered, jolted or went on strike
completely. While the cars recovered in the cool garage, the driv-
programme.
BMW Clubs’ World 2 & 3 /15 8
REPORTS
The weather again promised to be hot and also thundery – evidence of
the latter being a rain shower during breakfast. However, the sun came
out again bang on time just as the group was setting off. This time, get-
ting out of the underground car park proved more complicated as not
the all exit tickets appeared to work properly. While the cars’ engines
and the car park ventilation were running at full blast, one dauntless 503
friend – who would prefer to remain anonymous – applied the necessary
This time we drove through the Odenwald district to Michelstadt, where
we went on a three-hour guided tour of the old town and found out all
kinds of interesting historical facts. A little behind schedule, we then pro-
ceeded to Neunkirchen for lunch where Heinz presented us with our
memento of this year’s meeting: a pitcher for Äppelwoi – the apple wine
that is a speciality of the region. And by the way: the proper way to drink
Äppelwoi is out of a special glass with a diamond-shaped pattern on the
outside!
After lunch the trip continued under menacing dark clouds (which did
shed some water on our vehicles) to Heppenheim („Vettelheim“) where
the programme included a short visit to the town centre. After this we
were entertained on the wine terrace at Rebmuttergarten before setting
off on the return journey to the hotel. Back in Darmstadt, the 503s were
positioned in front of the Mollerbau on Karolinenplatz – an excellent picture
for us as well as for interested passers-by.
We walked to the nearby Restaurant Sitte for dinner. The aperitif was ap-
propriately served in the car park (where else would you expect an auto-
mobile club to be served?), the meal that followed was excellent and the
atmosphere in the restaurant superb. Franz Schöfmann thanked Sylvia
and Heinz H. Hucke on behalf of all participants for organising this year’s
meeting. A perfect roadbook was provided, the routes were interesting
and varied – and everyone put on
at least two kilos! But joking aside:
a truly wonderful time was had by
all in Darmstadt, the vineyards and
Odenwald. Many thanks to Sylvia
and Heinz – des war lusdisch – it
really was great fun!
The next meeting will be organised
by Christine and Manfred Saitner
in Weissenburg, Bavaria. After the
Darmstadt meeting, it makes per-
fect sense that the next invitation
should come from our gastro-
enterologist. Many thanks in ad-
vance to Christine and Manfred -
we look forward to it.
BMW Clubs’ World 2 & 3 /15 9
REPORTS
FOREVER YOUNG.
BMW YOUNGTIMER EXHIBITION.
Recent classics are a major theme at BMW Group Classic. We Photographs contributed to the large-scale panel “For-
ever Young”
enough to be a vintage or classic car as such. Several weeks ago, Club members responded to our request and
were kind enough to send photographs of their BMW. We were
This particularly includes sports cars or special automobiles dat- able to print most of these and mount them on a large-format wall
ing back to the late 1980s, including rare coupé and convertible in the Black Box at the BMW Museum. So your picture was an
versions. Reasons for the status of such automobiles include the integral part of this special exhibition for a period of approximately
high cost of purchase and their safety features such as ABS, air- two months.
bag and power steering, as well as the fact that they have more
We should like to thank BMW Club members most sincerely for
be regarded as sought-after recent classics even from the age of their active support. This fascinating overall perspective would
just under ten years. For example the BMW Z1, which was much not have been possible without their efforts. Lots of museum visi-
in demand among collectors just a few years after production was tors spent a long time standing in amazement in front of the large-
discontinued. scale panel, admiring the BMW recent classics and the submis-
sions compiled from all over the world.
At the beginning of the year we were called upon to compile an Once again, a very big thank-you to all BMW Club members who
contributed to the success of the special exhibition “Forever
popular BMW recent classics for the BMW Museum:
• First generation 5 Series E12
• First generation 3 Series E21
• First generation 7 Series E23
• First generation 6 Series E24
• Second generation 5 Series E28
• Second generation 3 Series E30
• 8 Series E31
• Second generation 7 Series E32
• Third generation 5 Series E34
• Third generation 3 Series E36
• Z1
BMW Clubs’ World 2 & 3 /15 10REPORTS
AYS 2015.
OTORRADD
BMW M
What began as a small get-together of BMW enthusiasts one and further highlight on show was the original victory bike on which
a half decades ago in Austria, has turned into an internationally Gaston Rahier won the Paris Dakar Rally in 1985. 35 years of the
celebrated festival of worldwide renown. For the 15th time, the BMW R 80 G/S were celebrated with a prime exhibit, the fore-
BMW Motorrad Days became the main point of attraction for the runner of BMW Motorrad’s most successful model series today.
The exhibition was rounded off by several BMW K 75 models, the
than 40,000 motorcycle enthusiasts found their way to the hot legendary 3-cylinder engined bike. A K 75 police version attract-
summer festival in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. ed special attention.
Naturally, BMW Classic was there again, too, with a centrally Numerous BMW Clubs had set themselves up in the Clas-
located tent. Many keenly enthusiastic visitors marvelled at the sic Tent. European clubs were represented by the BMW Club
highlights presented from ninety years of BMW motorcycle his- Deutschland, the BMW Clubs Europe umbrella organisation as
tory. well as the BMW Motorcycle Club Italia. The US was represented
by the two clubs: BMW Club Riders Association and the BMW
This year the time had come for a number of anniver- Club Vintage Motorcycle Owners. In spite of the tropical heat at
saries: the event, the clubs’ motorcycle experts answered all the BMW
• 80 years of the hydraulically damped telescopic front fork enthusiasts’ questions expertly.
The Motorrad Days truly had a great deal to offer: Visitors were
• 60 years of the full rear swing models
given the full BMW Motorrad treatment by stylish custom-bike
• 60 years of speed record holding for sidecars exhibitors, in motorcycle parades, panoramic ride-aways into the
• 35 years of the BMW R 80 G/S surrounding countryside and thrilling stunt shows. In addition to
• 30 years of the BMW K 75 3-cylinder models the breathtaking stunts and tricks presented by gravity-defying
riders Chris Pfeiffer and Russ Swift, the much longed-for eighth-
of-a-mile Classic Boxer Sprint took place again. All enduro fans
also had the chance to thoroughly test the Adventure model se-
The exhibits themselves were on display inside the tent. Here
you could take a look at the original BMW 500 world record hold- All that remains for us is to thank all the devoted motorcycle fans
ing motorcycle with sidecar which Wilhelm Noll already rode to who came together once again in Garmisch-Partenkirchen for
a speed of over 282 km/h in 1955. Visitors also went to see a participating with such great dedication. We will surely keep this
- event as a beacon in our memories for a long time and we’ve al-
draulically damped telescopic front fork. In addition there were ready drawn a thick red line around the dates for the next BMW
the perfectly restored full rear swing models R 69 and R 27. A Motorrad Days on 1 to 3 July 2016.
BMW Clubs’ World 2 & 3 /15 11REPORTS
A GLAS OF IT’S OWN.
DINGOLFING 2015: THE BIG GLAS ANNUAL MEETING OF THE ANNIVERSARIES.
Uwe Gusen, BMW Glas Club
big Goggomobil and GLAS meeting: Hans Glas was born 125 years ago, the Goggomobil was launched 60 years ago, the counterpart to
this successful small car – the luxurious GLAS V8 – came out 50 years ago and – last but not least – the GLAS Automobilclub International
celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.
Those are some pretty good reasons to celebrate! Goggomobil and GLAS enthusiasts travelled from all over the world to attend. Whether
Photo: Andreas Gutknecht
Photo: Rita Jany Photo: Andreas Gutknecht Photo: Andreas Gutknecht
THE FRIDAY
The ice rink opened punctually at 10 am and participants were issued with their
documents. A few days previously, numerous Goggo and GLAS drivers had trans-
formed the nearby so-called Circus Field into a campsite and set up their tents,
guest houses to cope with these numbers, so the campsite was one alternative
option and some people stayed in nearby towns, too
Directly adjacent to the ice rink is the stadium – the Isar-Waldstadion – which grad-
plant were held from midday onwards, having been booked months in advanced. Photo: Rita Jany
THE SATURDAY
An exhibition featuring superb GLAS vehicles was opened at the ice rink. The en-
tire GLAS range – from the scooter through to the V8 – was presented according
to attractive themes and decorated in 1950s and 1960s style. The people poured
into the hall where they were transported back to the heyday of the GLAS plant.
From late morning onwards, the parts market was held at the Isar-Waldstadion.
-
shine. As an alternative, bus tours were offered to the nearby automobile museums
-
imately. 800 participants with nearly 500 vehicles celebrated these major anniver-
saries together.
In the evening there was a gala with guests of honour, speeches and Bavarian
music. It was wonderful – though of course virtually impossible to get to chat to all
Photo: Andreas Gutknecht friends and acquaintances. There were simply too many of them.
BMW Clubs’ World 2 & 3 /15 12REPORTS
THE SUNDAY
More GLAS vehicles and Goggomobils continued to pour into the
stadium.
After an excellent buffet on the Saturday evening, the programme continued on
Sunday with a brunch at which Bavarian veal sausages were served. Then came
Organised in types from the Goggoroller through to the V8, the long convoy moved
off at 2 pm precisely. It was a great experience to see the local population lined up
three rows deep, clapping and waving as the vehicles passed.
It’s rare to see so much joy at a product once manufactured in your own town. We
were so excited – it was certainly enough to give us all goose pimples. From the
Photo: Andreas Gutknecht
town, the parade moved onto BMW Plant 2.1, the former GLAS plant. The old halls
have since been demolished to give way to more modern ones, and now only the
former administration building is still standing.
Instead of passing through the old GLAS production halls - which was still possible
ten years ago – we took a clever circuit route, passing some other GLAS vehicles
on the way. At the end each vehicle was photographed and then everyone head-
ed off on the excursion, which covered a distance of just under 35 km. This may
not sound much, but the gradients to be climbed forced more than one of the
Goggomobils to make an unanticipated stop. Eventually they all made it back, how-
ever, and we then spent a fantastic evening with an oldies pop band under the
One unexpected programme item was the appearance of approximately. 20 petti-
coat ladies in traditional dirndl dresses from the audience. These women of various
ages rocked on the stage, soon to be joined by some bold gentlemen who were
likewise appropriately dressed. The audience gathered round the stage and the
atmosphere was superb. Photo: Uwe Gusen
THE MONDAY
During the morning, the entire GLAS and Goggo community drove to Pilsting,
where all the vehicles were parked on the market square. A memorial plaque was
unveiled at Hans Glas’ birthplace and a Glas monument was inaugurated in front
of the town hall. This was carried out by the Glas family, who all attended the cel-
ebrations.
Following in the footsteps of the brass band, the entire company then entered a
marquee where the successful meeting was rounded off with a convivial afternoon.
Along with some 40 of his helpers from the Goggomobil and GLAS driver com-
which many of us will remember for a long time to come. Thank you very much
Photo: Uwe Gusen once again for your efforts!
Photo: Rita Jany Photo: Rita Jany Photo: Uwe Gusen
BMW Clubs’ World 2 & 3 /15 13REPORTS
Number 24 (Stuck and Posey) and
25 (Redman and Moffat) before the
start at Sebring in 1975.
The Australian Moffat replaced
Ronnie Peterson, who had
licence problems.
BMW Clubs’ World 2 & 3 /15 14REPORTS
THE AMELIA ISLAND
CONCOURS D’ ELEGANCE 2015.
Dirk H. Strassl
Seeing as BMW celebrates its hundredth anniversary in a year’s
time, this 40th anniversary may seem less important. But for
BMW’s proud subsidiary, BMW of North America, this is certain-
ly not the case. A celebration is an absolute must!
For this reason, Amelia Island’s highlights – the Ritz Carlton Ho-
tel and the annual Concours d’Elegance in Fernandina Beach
dash of BMW style.
BMW NA organised the anniversary celebrations in Florida. The
former BMW Motorsport GmbH was represented by Jochen
other invitees included current BMW Motorsport Director Jens
Marquardt along with old friends Klaus Kutscher and Georg
Blumoser – and of course the winning drivers of the success-
Redman and Sam Posey. Jochen Neerpasch, Managing Direc-
tor of Motorsport GmbH in the 1970s, was reunited with his for-
mer comrades-in-arms, head mechanic Rudi Gmeiner and his
men. Otto Weger, Erwin Kratzer and Peter Heiss once again
celebrated the enormous challenge posed by the racing years
1975/76 for the Bavarians in exile in Alabama.
-
-
race so as to be able to take care of reporting in Europe, too.
Indeed, it was not uncommon for the gentlemen of the journal-
istic fraternity to come in useful as carriers for urgently needed
spare parts, not to mention supplies of beer, bread and cheese
for the BMW expatriates – strictly prohibited imports in the USA
at the time. The technicians and drivers were stationed in Bobby
Allison’s Garage in Hueytown, Alabama for the US race entries,
and it was from here that they set off for the IMSA race tracks.
Speaking to a selected gala audience, the heroes of yesteryear
told their hair-raising and entertaining stories during the Leg-
ends’ Dinner at the elegant Ritz Carlton. They then ceremoni-
ously unveiled the racing car that was newly developed for the
current season: the BMW Z4 GTLM sporting the anniversary
stripe design of its predecessor, the BMW 3.0 CSL.
BMW Clubs’ World 2 & 3 /15 15REPORTS
above: Dirk H. Strassl and Jochen Neerpasch looking
middle: BMW Z4 GTLM of 2015
below: The BMWs with start numbers 24 and 25
before the 2015 memorial race in Sebring, behind them
the 1975 teams in dark team uniforms, in front the 2015
operations team.
STORIES THAT MAKE HISTORY.
In 1975 BMW relocated its motorsports activities to the USA –
where up until then, people thought BMW stood for British Motor
Works. The brand’s slim reputation at the time was based solely
on the achievements of the BMW 2002 and the multi-brand im-
porter Maximilian Hoffman. It was this same Maxi Hoffman who
persuaded Mercedes to build the 300SL and BMW to hire Graf
Goertz to design the BMW 507.
But why did BMW rashly get involved in the adventure of the
IMSA Series, a racing series that was barely known in Europe? In
the press folder, it said: motor racing is an integral part of BMW.
But sport has to be about challenges – measuring up with the
very best. And this was precisely what was lacking in Europe in
1975: there was no competition from other factory teams. “In the
Soon, everyone was talking about this motor racing expedition
– both in the States and in Europe. BMW AG’s strategic press
sporting achievements – and even more about the human side
of the motley international team.
The line-up had been selected by Jochen Neerpasch, a bril-
liant strategist, and America instantly embraced Hans Joachim
Strietzel Stuck, the Swede Ronnie Peterson, Brian Redman the
humorous Englishman, Alan Moffat from Australia and Sam
Posey, the poetic American. The 1975 press folder said of Brian
Redman: “He is damned fast, fuckin’ good in every kind of car,
-
pe – and it worked. The drivers of the striped BMW became the
to put it in today’s terms - moving out of the niche of the Bavarian
underdog in the eyes of America.
BMW Clubs’ World 2 & 3 /15 16REPORTS
ONE HELL OF A LONG TIME AGO.
The period of down-to-earth sales director Paul G. Hahnemann
had just come to an end, and majority shareholder Quandt ap-
pointed Eberhard von Kuenheim to head up the company, her-
alding a new era at BMW.
Charismatic Swiss-Canadian sales director Robert A. Lutz
wanted to focus on touring car racing and had made Jochen
Neerpasch Managing Director of the newly founded BMW
Motorsport GmbH – the latter having been an ambitious racing
in Cologne.
Neerpasch trimmed back BMW’s involvement in rally racing,
staking everything on touring car success instead. The BMW
huge spoilers at the front and rear and featured the image-
-
sign that was to be crucial to success in the USA. The inscrip-
tion BAVARIAN MOTOR WORKS was proudly displayed on the
windscreen.
The recently founded US subsidiary BMW of North America, Inc.
the European market was starting to pose serious challenges that
had to be tackled without motor racing as a powerful magnet.
BMW 323i came along.
Up to that time, BMWs had only ever been mentioned in the
-
on BMW’s racing and market success. BMW had arrived in the
US market.
The author
Dirk H. Strassl
took over the PR Department in 1986. He founded the BMW
Golf and Tennis Cups and the BMW Magazine and was also res-
ponsible for establishing the BMW Club Organisation.
BMW Clubs’ World 2 & 3 /15 17REPORTS
40TH BMW R 90 S ANNIVER-
SARY CELEBRATION.
BUCKINGHAM, BUCKS COUNTY, PA / 19 TO 22 JUNE 2014.
Todd Trumbore,
Club member of the Vintage BMW Motorcycle Owners
the R 90 S BMW of his dreams and now he was ready to share his
excitement with other like-minded riders. It was the summer of
2013 when he asked if I would organize a small gathering of fellow
R 90 S riders, I was more than happy to comply.
I knew I could round up 8 or 10 riders from our region, but I soon
realised we were approaching the 40th Anniversary of this iconic
model. Something much more special was required and I had 10
months to prepare.
I started to canvas our local club members from the Delaware
Valley BMW Riders. Club President Tony Karas expressed great
interest; in fact, he even offered to host the event at his coun-
try estate in the heart of historic and scenic Bucks County, PA.
This was music to my ears and just what I needed to jump-start
imported into the USA. He built a barn museum on his property
backdrop for this event.
I also wanted to include as many of those responsible for the cre-
ation of the model and those responsible for its successful racing
campaign. So I reached out to Robert A. Lutz, Hans A. Muth, Udo
Gietl, Reg Pridmore, Gary Fisher, Steve McLaughlin, Tom Cutter
& Todd Schuster. All happily agreed to participate with the ex-
ception of Steve McLauglin, who was in Europe at the time and
offered to produce a DVD recording, explaining his involvement
and the genesis of how it all began.
above: Udo Gietl and Reg Pridmore raced the F750,
Cannonball entry stands on the right.
middle: Klaus Huenecke (l) listening in as Todd
below: Friday night at the Karas garage.
BMW Clubs’ World 2 & 3 /15 18REPORTS
The word quickly spread through personal contacts, phone calls, above: A heroic, but ultimately unsuccessful, attempt to
emails and the worldwide web. We only had so much space as spell R 90 S with bikes.
this was being held at a private residence, so we wanted to limit left: by Jeff Whitlock – What does your R 90 S
the rally to R 90 S owners only. Initially the limit was set at 100 say on its licence?
riders, but later expanded to 150 as interest grew beyond our bor- right: German policeman Steve Bauer discussing
ders. We eventually had riders attending from not only the USA Todd Trumbore’s riding style.
and Canada, but from Australia, England, France, Switzerland and
Germany.
the door prizes and merchandise auction. Our local club handled
The initial one day event was expanded to four days. Now, there the security and parking details and attended to the many needs
was much more planning and organising that had to be done. I throughout the long weekend.
had to arrange and provide lodging for our special guests and air-
fare for Hans Muth, contact caterers for the meals, equipment The Rally started on Thursday with guests and riders arriving, un-
had to be rented, a stage had to be built and electricity provided packing and getting settled in at their lodges or setting up their
for the PA system and for our musical entertainment. tents. Later in the day, chili and hot dogs were served and enjoyed
I designed commemorative medallions and key chains. Tony sug- prepared more formal dining arrangements.
gested we use that design for the decals and denim shirts logo. I
also designed the banners that were used under the tent behind
the stage.
I’m not sure I realised at the
time, what I was getting my-
self into. Fortunately I had
some help. Artist/Illustrator,
John Ritter offered to design
a commemorative poster
Wood helped me handcraft
and assemble the charcoal
stoves, provided some tables
and volunteered his services
throughout the rally. His wife
Susan was also a big help
wearing many hats. Bruce
Edwards helped me build the
stage, secure the banners
and the video monitor as well
as provide the doughnuts
each day. Friday started off with a 20 minute video produced by Robert Lutz
explaining how the model came to be and how it changed the
In addition to bringing his beautiful Daytona R 90 S, Steve Bauer future for BMW Motorrad. Hans A. Muth made a wonderfully de-
also provided the freshly ground coffee and the coffee brewing tailed presentation discussing the design aspects of the bike. Udo
system for the entire event. John Yee handled the awarding of Gietl led a group discussion covering the racing programme along
BMW Clubs’ World 2 & 3 /15 19REPORTS
with Reg Pridmore, Gary Fisher, Todd Schuster & Tom Cutter. As day night which had Hans Muth showing off his dancing abilities.
you know, BMW won the Superbike Championship in 1976 with Sunday morning started off with more coffee and doughnuts and
this team and Reg the overall winner. tyre kicking before reluctantly packing up the tents and getting
There were more presentations and autograph sessions on Sat-
urday along with a tech session by master mechanic Karl Myers. I the bikes and rolled down Tony’s long driveway as they waved
led a group of 26 riders on a tour of Bucks County covered bridges. good-bye.
Max BMW displayed their R 90 S project, which was built from
BMW’s extensive catalogue of available parts. Bill Peretti, owner -
of Daytona BMW, displayed his F750 race bike (predecessor to cious hosts. This was an event I will never forget thanks to the
the R 90 S Superbike), built by Udo and raced by Reg. Gary Fisher, many who helped to make it a success.
and take it for a short ride. left: Udo Gietl graciously signing autographs
for his followers.
We had some really nice catered meals on Friday and Saturday right: Chefs Ed Sagendorf and Kim Coates catered the
for lunch and dinner. Motorrad movies were viewed under the gi- Bavarian Dinner on Saturday night.
ant tent on Friday evening and we brought in a live band for Satur- below: R 90 S es in formation along Tony’s driveway.
BMW Clubs’ World 2 & 3 /15 20REPORTAGE
REPORTS
M KH AN A.
IDPAN GY
WET SK AL LE NGE .
CH
Paul Roebuck, Club BMW Car Club Gauteng, South Africa.
On 24 March 2015, the BMW Car Club Gauteng held a wet skidpan Gym-
khana at Zwartkops Raceway. The weather was fantastic for the day as
beautiful cars, and excited people ready to play in the wet.
Registration started at 08:00 where excited drivers were given their num-
bers and a big Bridgestone sticker for the front window of their cars which
made the cars look the part. After the cars had been branded, the driv-
-
powerful M5 and M6 cars which generated sounds that make all petrol-
heads weak at the knees, spitting and cracking as they fought for traction
on the wet surface.
I was happy to see the drivers being bold enough to take off their traction
control systems, which allowed them to explore their cars and practice
proper car control in a managed environment. The crowds loved seeing
their friends and family losing control and desperately trying to rein their
cars back in as every second counted. It was great to see so many ladies
involved in the competition and they proved that they can drive with as
much enthusiasm as the men.
cars and driving skills. Everyone was very eager to start the next round.
Colin showed us all the next route nice and slowly which was a bit more
BMW Clubs’ World 2 & 3 /15 21REPORTS
technical but looked really fun. People were much more eager now and
lined up quickly. There were a lot of spin-outs and mistaken doughnuts but
smiles all around. The Z4 M cars seemed to thrive on this route, The blue
Z4 M of Andre Hartman looked as if it was a scalextric and danced perfect-
ly around the cones coming in at a amazing time.
The third route was a lot more technical and seemed to make a few people
nervous as no one went to their cars after the route was demonstrated to
everyone, we all just stood there… waiting for others to step up. After a
heard some engines come to life and line up. The course got the better
of a lot of drivers out there but some did fantastically well, including the
extremely skilled Marco and Shantell van der Schyff who drove their E36
328i in a way that would make Ken Block proud.
A jaguar F-type had a great time struggling for grip, as well as the mighty
M cars which were sliding and having a great time. The Ribeiro ladies in a
red and yellow Audi had a particularly exciting time exploring the extents of
the car’s grip. Colin again surprised the crowds with his 745i that was older
than some of the drivers of the day, putting up some of the best times that
were hard to match.
The pan was opened for playing with no scores so everyone could get to
know their cars better. Everyone had loads of fun and smiles. We were all
gathered for the prize-giving and we were all excited to see how we did
against our friends. The top place for each place is listed bellow. Everyone
put in a great performance, especially as most had never done an event
like this.
There was a great turnout for the day with over 50 cars each having a turn
and still having time to spare for playing at the end. Well done to Colin for
organising and Androniki for helping everything run so smoothly.
Looking forward to the next event and I am sure so is everyone else who
came to enjoy their cars.
BMW Clubs’ World 2 & 3 /15 22REPORTS
The results for the BMW category were:
1st Craig Watson in his black M135i with a time of 35.57 seconds. 2nd place went to
Marthinus Visser in his E90 335i with a time of 37.37. 3rd place went to Luis Malhou
also in a E90 335i with a time of 38.10 seconds.
The ladies class was closely contested which was a pleasure to watch, we need more
female drivers in motorsport.
1st place went to Androniki Pouris in her M performance 125i with a time of 38.23.
2nd place was Raquel Ribeiro in her yellow Audi S3 with a time of 43.02.
3rd place Mary Ribeiro in her Red Audi A3 with a time of 44.37.
M category 1st place went to Rupert Giessing in his Z4 M with a time of 38.27.
2nd place was Pieter Lombard in his lovely original E36 M3 with a time of 39.79 sec-
onds.
3rd place was Jonathan Kleinhans in his Z3 M coupé with a time of 41.41 seconds.
Masters class 1st place went to André Hartman who drove his blue Z4 M coupé like
a true professional. He was a sight to behold and got a time of 34.14 which was also the
fastest of the day.
2nd place was Colin van Son in his surprising 745i with an amazing time of 34.68
seconds.
3rd and 4th place was closely contested only 0.31 seconds apart, Marco achieved
a great time of 35.03 and was closely followed by Shantell in their 328i with a time of
35.34.
There were a lot of Non-BMW cars on the day trying to take the top spots.
1st place was Andries Du Pleesis in his orange Fiesta ST with a great time of 37.85
seconds.
2nd was Warren Kemm in his Audi A4 1.8t with a time of 39.55 seconds and very
closely followed was Neil Van Rooyen in his beautiful Jaguar XK convertible with a time
of 39.58 seconds in 3rd place.
The last class was the Subaru class which due to unforeseen cancellations sadly went
down from 5 to only 3 cars.
So was Paul Roebuck (me) in my Subaru WRX Prodrive with a time of 37.70
seconds.
Followed by Tiaan De Klerk in his rally stickered blue STI with a time of 39.98 seconds.
And in 3rd place was Shane Else in his Forester with a time of 43.45 seconds.
Overall positions were as follows.
1st was Andre Hartman in his blue Z4 M – 34.14
2nd was Colin Van Son in his ancient beast 745i – 34.68
3rd went to Marco Van Der Schyff in his 328i – 35.03
Well done to everyone! Was a lovely fun day with loads of smiles
and laughs.
Story by Paul Roebuck
Photos by RacePics
BMW Clubs’ World 2 & 3 /15 23REPORTS
Androniki Pouris,
Club BMW Car Club Gauteng, South Africa.
Saturday 16 May 2015, proudly sponsored by Bridgestone
and Lyndhurst Auto.
We again made use of the Bridgestone facility, Leeuwenkloof,
THE ROUGH
which is very close to Hartebeespoort Dam and offers over
1,000 hectares of the best that nature has to offer including
many off-road challenges and interesting topography such
as caves.
WITH THE When we arrived at the venue on Saturday morning, we
was held just explaining the proceedings of the day – the
SMOOTH. off-road course was either done in your own X vehicle or
else you got to experience a new X3, X4, X5 or X6 that was
provided by Lyndhurst Auto. The dirt skidpan is a fun timed
16 MAY 2015 gymkhana in an X1.
BMW CAR CLUB The off-road course demonstrated the impressive off-road
capabilities of these BMW xDrive vehicles, which have cer-
xDRIVE DAY. got to experience the depth of off-road capabilities these
xDrive vehicles have to offer including Axle Twisters where
one or two wheels are in the air and all you need to do is
accelerate to move forward, the xDrive system does the
rest! Participants also got to experience HDC (Hill Descent
Control), which controls the vehicle’s speed on a steep
downhill without having to touch the brake pedal and the
speed desired can be set via the cruise control stalk. All
each driver had to do was steer (i.e. let go your feet just not
your hands!).
BMW Clubs’ World 2 & 3 /15 24REPORTS
The skidpan course was quite a challenging one with three
zig-zag slaloms, followed by a U-turn, back through the
same three slaloms, a sharp right into an emergency lane
change, followed by a 360 degree loop before stopping
and stopping in the kitchen!). Each person got to drive
choice of traction control on or off. First a practice run then
the timed run – massive smiles and excitement and an in-
credible amount of dust ensued as the participants raced
around and sometime even over the cones in effort to stop
the clock as quickly as they could.
The fastest Lyndhurst Auto customer was Stephan
Jansen van Rensburg with a time of 31.72 seconds,
closely followed by Mark Silverwood with a time of 31.97.
Kevin Chetty took 3rd place with a best time of 32.07.
The fastest BMW Car Club Gauteng club member
was Kyle Zaayman with a lightning fast time of 31.56
seconds. Charl van Straaten took second place with a
time of 31.97 seconds and Ashlay Sauren clinched third
place with a time of 32.06 seconds.
We even had a ladies class on the day with
taken by Androniki Pouris with a time of 32.18 seconds.
Lezelle Hohls was second with 35.59 seconds and
Nirvana from Lyndhurst Auto took third place with a
36.68 seconds.
We would again like to thank our sponsors Bridgestone and
Lyndhurst Auto, without whom this great day would not
have been possible.
Photos by Racepics.co.za
BMW Clubs’ World 2 & 3 /15 25REPORTS
TAKING A
BROADER VIEW.
We repeatedly receive inquiries from international journalists
looking for special cars marking various occasions. Prior to the
press event on the topic “40 years of the BMW 3 Series”
we were asked by a Japanese group of journalists who were in
Germany to photograph classic cars in the BMW 3 Series and
Members who were willing to receive the group. The Japanese
journalists were especially interested in a collector in Allgäu and
one in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Thanks to this cooperation
a very impressive special edition with a multi-page report was
And we thought you’d like to see a couple of the pages from the
Japanese magazine, as the results are rather good.
We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere
thanks to everyone who have supported us on occasions like
this and to encourage all to take part next time.
BMW Clubs’ World 2 & 3 /15 26PORTRAIT
THE E9
AND I.
GERHARD DE VRIES.
In 2005, I took on a side-lined restoration project and decided to
put an E9 in my garage once again – this time in Polaris Silver. It
Allow me to start by introducing myself: My name is Gerhard de was disappointing. Once I had assembled everything I needed, I
Vries, age 50: I have been an active association member of the started welding the metal parts and reconstructing the interior.
BMW Club Netherlands Commission since 1996, as well as an
ambassador of the BMW Club Netherlands. However, there was a problem. I couldn’t get any sound out of
the engine. On closer inspection it seemed that the engine was
19 years ago I came across the E9 3.0 CSI in Alpine White, a car stuck and there was no way of getting it to move. So I then set off
which was provided by Henk Speek of Brové (former chairman of in search of another engine for my E9, and eventually I found one.
the BMW Coupé Association Netherlands). Where had this car Unfortunately, however, I lacked the space and the knowledge to
been? I wanted to buy it but I was told that it had been damaged replace it.
so badly in an accident that it had to be scrapped.
My friends at St. Anthonis HencoCars offered to take care of the
changeover for me, so at the end of March I was able to drive the
All that was missing was the mandatory TÜV technical inspec-
Of course there was still a lot to be done, but after nine years I
came on 13 April 2015. I went with my son in my E46 touring to
E9 and travelled 140 km. It felt really special.
My great desire now is for me and my classic car to be involved
in the BMW 100th anniversary and the opening of BMW Classics
in Munich in 2016.
After searching for two years I found a 2800CS in Fjord Blue. But
spend any more of my time on it.
BMW Clubs’ World 2 & 3 /15 27EVENT DIARY
SEPTEMBER
Goodwood Revival, England
11.09. - 13.09.2015,
grrc.goodwood.com/section/goodwood-revival/
CCA Oktoberfest , New Jersey, USA
21.09. - 27.09.2015,
bmwcca.org/content/46th-annual-bmw-cca-oktoberfest-presented-michelin
OCTOBER
International Council Meeting, Melbourne, Australia
17.10. - 21.10.2015,
bmw-clubs-international.com
VETERAMA, Mannheim, Germany
09.10. - 11.10.2015,
veterama.de
NOVEMBER
Night of the White Gloves at the BMW Museum, Munich, Germany
20.11.2015,
bmw-welt.com
BMW Clubs Asia Meeting, Chenzen, China,
27.11. - 29.11.2015,
kahwong@hotmail.com
BMW Clubs’ World 2 & 3 /15 28You can also read
